Die changer with removable die adapted thereto and die dome as well as method for removing and inserting the removable die

ABSTRACT

A die chanter for a die of a joining device, a die dome adapted to the die and a method for removing a die of a joining device and a method for inserting a die into a joining device. The die has a head having upper and bottom sides, and a shaft extending from the bottom side and receivable and lockable in a dome without rotation. The shaft comprises: at least one first web forming an undercut on two sides by which the shaft is lockable in the dome by a linear inserting movement, at least one second web, the length of which is adaptable to a diameter of the dome to ensure a lateral guiding of the shaft in the dome and which is arranged between the die-head and the first web, and an ejection surface by which the die can be moved out of the dome.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a die changer for a removable die ofa joining device, especially a setting device, the removable die whichis adapted thereto as well as a die dome which is adapted to theremovable die and a method for removing a removable die of a joiningdevice as well as a method for inserting a removable die into a joiningdevice.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At the manufacturing of products having joining connections, it ismeanwhile necessary that different materials, their combinations,different material thicknesses or different auxiliary joining parts haveto be processed. This requires always an adapted joining device, as forexample a setting device, at the manufacturing of motor vehicles.According to a procedure which is no longer up-to-date, rivet settingdevices have been exchanged with each other according to the respectiverequirements for the joining connection to be produced. These differentrivet setting devices used the appropriate auxiliary joining part andthe respective die to connect the present components with each other.

For achieving here an increased flexibility, a die changer was usedwhich was firmly installed on a C-frame of a setting device, for exampleaccording to EP 1 467 836 B1. This die changer consists of a disc-likerotatable arrangement on which two different dies are arranged.According to DE 10 2014 202 729 A1, also rotatable die discs are usablehaving three or four dies.

The manufacturing of joining connections meanwhile also takes place inproduction lines for the manufacturing of motor vehicles in whichdifferent vehicles are produced. This increases the requirements withrespect to the flexibility of the joining devices, as for examplesetting devices. Further, welding connections are increasingly replacedby punch riveting connections for which also the appropriate settingdevices have to be provided. For reducing the effort for a newinstallation of the setting devices for the manufacturing of all kindsof joining connections in the production line, it is necessary that thesetting devices used have more flexibility in their adaptability todifferent joining connections.

Therefore, DE 20 2014 102 908 U1 discloses a die holder for a pluralityof removable dies. This die holder cooperates with the die dome forreceiving a removable die of a setting device which is moved to the dieholder by means of a robot. The removable die in the die dome of thesetting device is locked in the die dome by means of a rotationalmovement. The die holder provides a form-fit connection with theremovable die by means of a lateral slotted die head. This form-fitconnection ensures that the die holder can rotate the removable die forat least a quarter turn and thereby unlock in the die dome of thesetting device. At the same time, by means of this rotation, theremovable die is locked in the die holder axially. Now, die holder anddie dome of the setting device are moved with respect to each other sothat the removable die can be removed from the die dome of the settingdevice. In reversed order, the inserting of another removable die fromthe die holder into the die dome of the setting device occurs.

The die holder of DE 20 2013 011 927 U1 also receives a removable diefrom a die dome by means of a rotational movement. This rotationalmovement of the removable die, which is introduced into the removabledie via the die head, requires specific gripping or connectionmechanisms that support this rotational movement. Further, a sufficientaccuracy at the combined rotational movement and the subsequent linearunlocking or releasing movement of the removable die are necessary whichis on the one hand costly in its construction and which requires laterhigh maintenance efforts. With respect to the maintenance, thecontamination by and the removing of adhesive residues is, besideothers, critical.

As has been mentioned above already, the removable dies are locked inthe die dome by means of a combination of a linear movement and arotational movement or they are withdrawn or removed from the die domeby means of a reversal of these movements. For this purpose, theremovable die comprises a locking groove in its die shaft into which thewebs of the die dome can engage. These webs are for example arrangedoppositely to each other and are firmly installed in the die dome. To beable to insert the die shaft between these webs, it is formed tapered ina certain angular orientation. After rotating the removable die, thetapered shaft portion is oriented perpendicular with respect to the websso that the die shaft is fixed in the die dome. The insertion depth ofthe die shaft as well as the rotation angle of the removable die have tobe adapted precisely to the removable die to be able to establish areliable connection between the die dome and the removable die also uponrepeated inserting and removing of a removable die. Further,bayonet-like connections between removable die and die dome aredisclosed. These are not only susceptible due to the complex movementsequences for locking and unlocking the die in the die dome but also dueto a contamination which may deposit in the bayonet connection.

For being able to differentiate the several removable dies stored in thedie holder, DE 20 2013 011 928 U1 describes an identification codearranged at the die head or at the die shaft. This identification codeis especially arranged at the radially outer side of the die head or thedie shaft. Although this identification code, like a bar code, a numbercode or a two-dimensional code, is detectable by a camera, a scanner oranother suitable sensor, these identification codes are susceptible todamaging. Because a rotational movement occurs upon the take-over orreceipt of the removable die by the die holder during which the dieholder engages at the radially outer side of the die head. During thismovement, the identification codes arranged at the die head are damaged.The identification codes arranged at the die shaft are stressed by africtionally engaged connection of the die shaft at the radially innerside of the die dome. This frictional engagement leads also to adamaging of the identification codes so that the identification codescannot be read or are not identifiable anymore after several changes ofthe removable die.

It is, thus, the object of the present invention to provide a diechanger with a removable die adapted thereto and an adapted die domewhich has, with the same flexibility, a lower susceptibility to failuresand, thus, a higher lifetime compared to the prior art. The same appliesalso to the used removable dies so that they are usable for a highernumber of changing cycles without that a damaging in the fixingmechanism and/or in the identification of the removable die occurs.Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide asimplified method for removing a removable die from a die dome of ajoining device as well as a simplified method for inserting a removabledie into a die dome of a joining device.

3. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The above objects are solved by a method for removing a removable die ofa joining device according to independent patent claim 1 and by a methodfor inserting a removable die of a joining device according toindependent patent claim 6. Advantageous embodiments and developments ofthe present invention result from the following description, theaccompanying drawings as well as the appending patent claims.

The present invention discloses a removable die of a joining tool,especially a setting device, comprising a die head having an upper sideand a bottom side as well as a die shaft extending perpendicular fromthe bottom side of the die head and being adapted to be receivable andlockable in a die dome without rotation. The die shaft of the removabledie comprises the following features: at least one first radial webforming at least an axial undercut on one side by means of which the dieshaft is lockable in the die dome solely by means of a linear insertingmovement, at least one second radial web, the radial length of which isadaptable to a diameter of the die dome for ensuring a lateral guidingof the die shaft within the die dome and which is arranged between thedie head and the first radial web, as well as an ejection surface bymeans of which the removable die can be moved out of the die dome andwhich is arranged adjacent to the free end of the die shaft opposite tothe die head.

The inventive removable die is configured such that the removable die islockable solely by means of a rotation-free axial inserting of the dieshaft into a die dome and is thus arrangeable in the joining device.This is realized in that the die shaft comprises a first radial web atwhich a snap-in locking mechanism of the die dome is lockable on oneside or on both sides. Due to the exposed position of the first radialweb, it forms an axial undercut preferably with a side facing the diehead and with a side facing away from the die head, respectively,wherein said first radial web prevents a moving of the removable die inaxial direction after locking with the die dome. This ensures a secureseat in the die dome. At the same time, the die shaft is guidedlaterally by means of the second radial web so that the die shaft and,thus, the removable die is receivable and can be held in the die domefitting exactly. Further preferred, the removable die is ejectable fromthe die dome in axial direction opposite to the insertion direction andpreferably free of rotation by means of the ejection surface. To thisend, an ejection spike engages at the ejection surface. According to apreferred embodiment, the ejection surface is arranged at the end of theremovable die opposite to the die head and forms an abutment or contactpoint for an axially slidable or movable ejection spike. According to afurther preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first radialweb forms the ejection surface at least partly with an axial sidesurface facing away from the die head. Preferably, the ejection surfaceis used in combination with a die shaft extending axially beyond thefirst radial web. The die shaft engages preferably in a central openingof the ejection spike for ejecting the removable die.

Preferably, the removable die comprises a die coding which is arrangedon or at the die shaft and which is optically evaluable. According to apreferred embodiment of the present invention, a radial tapering sectionhaving a smaller radial extension than the second radial web is providedat the die shaft for protecting the die coding. Due to the arrangementof the die coding on this radial tapering, the die coding is arrangedprotected as the die coding is neither engageable by the die holder norby the die dome.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, athird radial web is provided as die coding. The third radial webcomprises an adjustable axial length and at least one radial punctureextending in radial direction. The combination of radial web andpuncture appears in a side view similar to a barcode and is usable asdie coding. An individual identifier of the removable die created inthis way is detectable preferably optically by a camera or a scanner.Further, this type of die coding is not susceptible to contamination.According to different preferred embodiments of the present invention,the third radial web is adapted to the diameter of the through-openingto provide a radial support for the die shaft. According to otherembodiments, the third radial web is smaller in the outer diameter thanthe inner diameter of the through-opening for not damaging the diecoding.

Further preferred, the die head comprises a radially tapered axialsection forming the second radial web, extending in the direction of thedie shaft and being adaptable in a radial extension to the diameter ofthe die dome. According to this preferred constructive embodiment of thedie shaft, it is guided laterally in the opening of the die dome atleast at two locations.

The present invention comprises also a die dome of a joining device,especially a setting device, in which a die shaft of a die, especially aremovable die according to one of the above described embodiments, isreceivable and lockable without rotation. The die dome comprises thefollowing features: a hollow cylindrical through-opening for receivingand guiding the die shaft comprising an axially guiding section and anaxially locking section adjacent thereto, wherein in the locking sectiona form-fit acting and spring-pre-tensioned locking arrangement isprovided and configured such that a die shaft is automatically lockablein the locking arrangement by means of a rotation-free inserting of thedie shaft in an insertion direction into the locking section and isautomatically unlockable from the locking arrangement and removable fromthe die dome by means of inserting an ejection spike into thethrough-opening in an ejection direction opposite to the insertiondirection.

The hollow cylindrical through-opening of the die dome acts at the sametime for arranging the removable die in the accurate position as well asfor removing the removable die by inserting an ejection spike from theopening of the through-opening facing away from the removable die. Bymeans of this construction as well as the locking arrangement providedin the die dome, the die dome is adapted to the removable die such thatan arranging, locking and removing of the removable die can take placesolely by means of an axial movement of the die shaft within the diedome and of the ejection spike within the die dome. This avoids thenecessity of rotational movements which have to be transferred to theremovable die for locking or unlocking and removing. Further, themovement sequences necessary for inserting and removing the removabledie from the die dome is simplified and its duration is shortened.Furthermore, the here used construction is constructed simply andrequires low maintenance costs compared to the rotating lockingarrangements of the prior art.

According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive die dome, thelocking section comprises at least one holding shell, preferably aplurality of holding shells comprising each at a radial outer side atilting web so that an inner side of the holding shells is pivotablearound the tilting web.

The used at least one or plurality of holding shells in the lockingsection of the die dome is configured in its shaping such that apreferred axial ramping surface in combination with the mentionedtilting web causes a displacement of the respective holding shellradially outwardly. If, thus, preferably the die shaft is inserted inthe through-opening of the die dome, then the axial ramping surface at aradial inner side of the holding shell/holding shells supports theinserting or receiving of the die shaft in the at least one holdingshell. At the same time, the at least one holding shell is preferablypressed radially outwardly by the ejection spike. Thereafter, preferablythe plurality of holding shells or the at least one holding shell locksautomatically at the first radial web of the die shaft. Preferablyaccording to the invention, the mentioned ramping surface is provided atthe holding shells or at the end of the die shaft. If the ejection spikeis moved through the through-opening against the insertion direction ofthe removable die, it is also preferred that the holding shells areautomatically opened by the ejection spike due to a ramping surface andthat the removable die is thereby removable from the through-opening ofthe die dome. Also in this context, it is inventively preferred toprovide the ramping surface at a guiding section of the ejection spike,at the holding shells or combined at both.

For the preferred supporting of the locking and unlocking of theremovable die in the die dome, the holding shells are springpre-tensioned into an initial position preferably axially spaced fromthe tilting web so that the holding shells can pivot automatically backinto the initial position after a radially outwardly pivoting. Accordingto a further preferred embodiment of the inventive die dome, the lockingsection has a greater diameter than the guiding section in thethrough-opening and the holding shells are arranged in the lockingsection positively or in a form-fit manner by means of an insertelement. Further preferred, the plurality of holding shells, preferablytwo holding shells, define an at least two-stage through-opening in thedie dome between the holding shells which have adjacent to the tiltingweb a greater diameter than remote from the tilting web and whichcomprise remote from the tilting web a radially inwardly protrudingsnap-in locking structure, especially a snap-in locking web or a snap-inlocking groove.

Preferably, the holding shells are adapted in their configuration to thelocking of the die shaft as well as to the unlocking of the die shaft bythe ejection spike. The locking of the die shaft is realized by aradially inwardly protruding snap-in locking web or the mentionedsnap-in locking groove, which engages upon locking of the die shaft atthe first radial web of the die shaft. Depending on the configurationand/or load of the removable die, it is preferred that a one-sided or atwo-sided axial undercut of the first radial web is used by the abuttingof the radially inwardly protruding snap-in locking structure of theholding shell.

The preferred at least two-stage through-opening between the or enclosedby the holding shells is adapted in its configuration to the preferredshape of the ejection spike. It comprises also at least a two stageconfiguration in which preferably the guiding end of the ejection spikehas a greater diameter than a section of the ejection spike followingthe ejection end. These different configurations of the diameters in thethrough-opening of the plurality of holding shells as well as in theconfiguration of the ejection spike ensure the axial ejecting of theremovable die from the die dome without that a rotation of the removabledie has to occur.

The present invention comprises also a die dome of a joining device,especially a setting device, in which a die shaft of a die is receivableand lockable without rotation. The die dome comprises the followingfeatures: a hollow cylindrical through-opening for receiving and guidingthe die shaft which comprises an axial guiding section and an axiallocking section adjacent thereto, wherein in the locking section, aform-fit or positively acting locking arrangement with a rotatableand/or shiftable locking element is provided so that a die shaft islockable and unlockable therein by means of a rotation-free inserting ofthe die shaft in the locking section in an insertion direction and byrotating and/or shifting the locking element and is removable from thelocking arrangement and the die dome by means of a plugging in of anejection spike into the through-opening in an ejection directionopposite to the insertion direction.

The present invention comprises an alternative configuration of a diedome of a joining device. In this die dome, the removable die is alsoinsertable and lockable therein without rotation. For providing thelocking of the die shaft in the through-opening of the die dome, alocking element is arranged in the locking section. Upon the preferredrotation of the locking element around a longitudinal axis of thelocking element, the through-opening of the die dome is specificallyblockable or releasable. This functionality is preferably realized inthat the locking element, which is formed pin-like, comprises a radiallyasymmetric tapering. As the pin-like locking element extends partlythrough the through-opening of the die dome, a rotating of the lockingelement around the longitudinal axis realizes a blocking or a releasingof the through-opening of the die dome.

The present invention comprises further a die changer for a removabledie of a joining device, especially a setting device, which isarrangeable in a die dome of the joining device having athrough-opening, wherein the die changer comprises the followingfeatures: a die holder having at least one holding opening adapted tothe removable die such that a die shaft is receivable in the holdingopening and a die head is supportable at an edge of the holding opening,wherein the holding opening has a radial clearance for radiallyinserting the die shaft into the holding opening, and an axiallymoveably arranged ejection spike adapted to the die dome such that theejection spike is movable completely through the through-opening of thedie dome to eject a removable die from the die dome.

The already above described die dome as well as the removable die areused in combination with an ejection spike and the die holder. The dieholder comprises a plurality of holding openings for the removable diesto be inserted into or to be removed from the die dome. Preferably, theholding openings of the die holder and the shaft of the removable dieare movable with respect to each other so that the shaft of theremovable die is insertable into the holding opening of the die holderand the removable die is lowerable into the holding opening in thisposition.

According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive die changer, thedie holder comprises a rotatably arranged disc having a plurality ofholding openings, the holding openings of which are movable specificallyadjacent to the die dome. Due to the movement of the ejection spike, theremovable die is raised or lifted into a position above the die dome sothat it is arranged in lateral alignment with the radial clearance ofthe holding opening of the die holder. The relative movement betweenholding opening and removable die makes then the arrangement of theremovable die in the holding opening of the die holder possible.

Further preferred, the die changer comprises a fixing spike arrangedaxially movable coaxially or parallel to the ejection spike or arespective fixing device, which is adapted to engage at an upper side ofthe removable die and to move matched to the ejection spike. Forensuring the position of the removable die and to avoid an uncontrolledejecting of the removable die from the die dome due to the movement ofthe ejection spike, a fixing spike or a fixing device fixes theremovable die at the upper side of the removable die. By means of thisfixing, the fixing spike or the fixing device presses the removable dieagainst the ejection spike without limiting or blocking the movement ofthe ejection spike. Inventively preferred, the movements of the ejectionspike and the fixing spike or the fixing device are matched to eachother so that they move preferably synchronously with respect to eachother. Due to the usage of the fixing spike it is achieved that theremovable die always has a defined position during its movement by meansof the ejection spike.

The present invention comprises also a system for changing a removabledie at a joining device, especially a setting device, comprising ajoining device having a die dome according to the above describedembodiments and a die changer according to the above describedembodiments, which are preferably adapted to remove a removable dieaccording to the above described embodiments from the die dome or toinsert it therein.

Further, the present invention comprises a method for removing aremovable die of a joining device fastened in a die dome having athrough-opening. The method comprises the following features: arrangingthe die dome, especially a die dome according to one of the abovedescribed embodiments, above an ejection spike, moving the ejectionspike without rotation through the die dome, wherein the ejection spikereleases the removable die without rotation from a locking section ofthe die dome, moving the removable die with the ejection spike beyondthe die dome into lateral alignment with a holding opening of a dieholder of a die changer, especially a die changer according to one ofthe above described embodiments, relatively moving of die holder andremovable die with respect to each other so that the removable die isarranged without rotation in the holding opening of the die holder, andinserting of the removable die into the holding opening without rotationby axially moving the ejection spike. According to a further inventivelypreferred embodiment of the present method, the following steps areprovided: moving a fixing spike or a fixing device into abutment with anupper side of a die head of the removable die, preferably before theejection spike moves the removable die, and holding or retaining theremovable die between ejection spike and fixing spike or fixing deviceduring the moving of the removable die to the holding opening of the dieholder. Further, and during the inventive method for removing theremovable die, preferably the ejection spike is moved into athrough-opening formed from several holding shells in the lockingsection of the die dome and the ejection spike unlocks there theremovable die, especially the die shaft, by means of a pivoting of theholding shells by the ejection spike.

The present invention comprises also a method for inserting a removabledie of a joining device, especially a setting device, having a die domewith through-opening, wherein the method comprises the following steps:arranging a holding opening of a die holder, especially a die holder ofa die changer according to one of the above described embodiments, whichcontains a removable die, above an ejection spike which has been movedthrough the through-opening of the die dome, preferably rotation-freereleasing of the removable die from the holding opening by a movement ofthe ejection spike, removing the holding opening from the releasedremovable die and moving the ejection spike through the through-openingof the die dome, wherein the removable die locks, preferably withoutrotation, in a locking section of the die dome. The method for insertingthe removable die into the joining device occurs inventively preferredaccording to a kinematic reversal of the method for removing theremovable die from the die dome of the joining device. Therefore, it isalso preferred to press the removable die by means of a fixing spike ora fixing device into the locking section of the die dome with at leastone holding shell.

4. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained indetail with respect to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

FIG. 1 a perspective overview of a preferred system consisting ofjoining device with die dome, removable die and die changer

FIG. 2a an enlarged depiction of a preferred embodiment of the diechanger having a fixing spike,

FIG. 2b an enlarged depiction of a preferred embodiment of the diechanger having a fixing device,

FIG. 3a an enlarged depiction of a first preferred embodiment of aninventive die dome with two holding shells and removable die arrangedtherein,

FIG. 3b an enlarged depiction of a second preferred embodiment of aninventive die dome having one holding shell and removable die arrangedtherein,

FIG. 4 a preferred alternative embodiment of a die dome with removabledie in perspective view,

FIG. 5 a lateral sectional view of the die dome of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 a radial sectional view of the die dome according to FIG. 4,

FIG. 7 an enlarged depiction of the die dome according to FIG. 3a atwhich a preferred ejection spike is being inserted into the die dome,

FIG. 8 a further sequence of a preferred ejection procedure of theremovable die from the die dome, wherein the ejection spike is movedfurther into the through-opening of the die dome subsequently to thesequence of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 a lateral sectional view of a preferred arrangement of the diedome with ejection spike adjacent to the die changer before the ejectionspike withdraws or removes a removable die from a die holder,

FIG. 10 the arrangement of FIG. 9, in which the ejection spike engagesthe removable die and lifts the removable die from the die holder,

FIG. 11 the preferred arrangement of FIG. 9, wherein the ejection spikehas lowered the removable die into the die dome completely,

FIG. 12 the preferred arrangement according to FIG. 11, wherein theremovable die has been locked in the die dome and the ejection spike hasbeen removed from the die dome,

FIG. 13 a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of a method for removing apreferred removable die of a joining device from a preferred die dome,and

FIG. 14 a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of a method for insertinga removable die of a joining device in a preferred die dome.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective overview of a joining device F in combinationwith a die changer 60. The joining device F is indicated by a C-frame ofa setting device. All devices are conceivable as joining devices whichuse a die, no matter if the joining procedure is performed with orwithout auxiliary joining part. Such joining devices are for example asetting device for punch rivets, a joining device for clinching or thelike. In the following, and for explanation reasons, it is referred to asetting device for punch rivets in combination with a C-frame.

The setting device is arranged at an open end of the C-frame, wherein aremovable die 10 is provided in a die dome 30 at the other open end ofthe C-frame. The removable die 10 is removably or exchangeably fixed inthe die dome 30. This replacement or exchange takes place by means of adie changer 60 preferably comprising an ejection spike 62.

The ejection spike 62 is linearly, and preferably without rotation,movable through a hollow cylindrical through-opening 32 of the die dome30 (SII) after the die dome 30 has been positioned above the ejectionspike 62 (SI). At that, the ejection spike 62 removes the removable die10 from the die dome 30 and positions it adjacent to a die holder 64(SIII).

The die holder 64 contains at least one holding opening 68 in which theremovable die 10 can be arranged. The holding opening 68 and theremovable die 10 are moved relatively to each other so that theremovable die 10 is arranged within the holding opening 68. For thispurpose, the holding opening 68 comprises preferably a radial clearance69 by means of which the shaft 14 of the removable die 10 can beinserted into the holding opening 68 (SIV). Preferably the removable die10 is stored in the holding opening 68 by means of a movement of theejection spike 62 in the direction of the die dome 30 (SV).

With this preferred method for removing the removable die 10 from thedie dome 30, which will be explained in greater detail below, preferablythe removable die 10 is fixed or stabilized at the ejection spike 62 bymeans of a fixing spike 66 (see FIG. 2a ) or a fixing device 67 (seeFIG. 2b ). The fixing spike 66 or the fixing device 67 engages for thispurpose at an upper side of the die head 12. Thereby, and due to anengagement or abutment of the ejection spike 62 at the removable die 10,the removable die 10 is held between the ejection spike 62 and thefixing spike 66 or the fixing device 67. Preferably, the fixing spike 66or the fixing device 67 engage the removable die 10 before the ejectionspike 62 moves the removable die 10.

According to different preferred embodiments of the present invention,the ejection spike 62 and the fixing spike 66 or the fixing device 67are each moved by a pneumatic cylinder. Also preferred are hydrauliccylinders, electro-motive actuators, or other drive systems by means ofwhich a linear movement of ejection spike 62 and fixing spike 66 orfixing device 67 are realizable in a coordinated manner. According topreferred embodiments of the present invention, the ejection spike 62 ismoved by only one pneumatic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder havingseveral positions or by two pneumatic cylinders connected in a row insuccession (tandem cylinder). Only one pneumatic cylinder movespreferably the ejection spike 62 mainly with a constant shiftingvelocity. At a cylinder having a plurality of positions or at severalcombined cylinders, different shifting velocities of the cylinders areselectable. Preferably, the ejection spike 62 is moved in the course ofthis with a higher shifting velocity into the die dome 30 as it is movedout of the die dome 30 with the removable die 10. During inserting of aremovable die 10, preferably these shifting velocities are applied inreversed order. According to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fixing spike 66 or the fixing device 67 is formed by ahold-down device of the setting device F or by a device having a pistoncylinder drive and a holding surface at the die changer 60 or adjacentto the die dome 30. A respective fixing device 67 is shown in FIG. 2b .It consists of a holding surface which is movable with a piston cylinderdrive. The holding surface has to be sufficiently large to provide,engaging at the die head, a counterforce to the impact of the ejectionspike 62. Further, the holding surface is preferably sufficiently smallso that it is freely movable between adjacent holding sections withholding opening 68 of the die changer 60. The holding surface acts inthe same way as the tip of the above-discussed fixing spike 66.Therefore, the explanations with respect to the fixing spike 66 alsoapply to the fixing device 67. The holding surface is moved preferablyby a piston cylinder drive (pneumatic or hydraulic) or by another knownlinear actuator (see above). In FIG. 2b , the holding surface isconnected to an actuator which is arranged below the holding surface ininsertion direction of the removable die 10. The holding surfaceprotrudes laterally beyond the actuator and covers in this way aremovable die 10 being present in the die changer 60 or in the die dome30. As soon as preferably the holding surface abuts the upper side ofthe removable die 10, the movement of the removable die 10 by means ofthe ejection spike 62 begins

For inserting a removable die 10 into the die dome 30 of the settingdevice, the above-described steps for removing the removable die 10 fromthe die dome 30 are performed in reversed order. During the preferredusage of a die holder 64 having a plurality of holding openings 68,first of all the holding opening 68 containing the desired removable die10 is positioned above the through-opening 32 of the die dome 30 (E1).For removing or withdrawing the removable die 10, the ejection spike 62moves into abutment with the die shaft 14 through the through-opening 32(E2) and preferably the fixing spike 66 moves into abutment with the diehead 12 (E3). Preferably, the fixing spike 66 abuts the upper side ofthe die head 12 before the ejection spike 62 engages at the die shaft14.

A preferably synchronously occurring movement of fixing spike 66 andejection spike 62 raises or lifts the die head 12 out of the holdingopening 68 (E4) and the die holder 64 is subsequently rotated (E5). Indoing so, the die shaft 14 is moved through the radial clearance of theholding opening 68 and the removable die 10 is completely removed fromthe die holder 64. For facilitating this removing of the removable die10 from the die holder 64, recesses are provided in the die holder 64adjacent to the holding openings 68. By means of these recesses, theremovable die 10 is freely insertable into the die dome 30 between thefixing spike 66 and the ejection spike 62 (E6). While the ejection spike66 is lowered through the through-opening 32, the fixing spike 66 holdsthe removable die 10 on the ejection spike 62 until the removable die 10is locked in the die dome 30 (E7).

It is also conceivable that the ejection spike 62 performs the removingand inserting of the removable die 10 without fixing spike 66.

With reference to FIGS. 2 to 12, the above summarized preferred methodsteps according to the flow charts of FIGS. 13 and 14 will be explainedin detail by means of the preferred constructive details of theinvention.

In FIG. 2, the die holder 64 is shown in a removal position for aremovable die 10. For this purpose, the holding opening 68 having thedesired or requested removable die 10 is positioned above thethrough-opening 32 of the die dome 30. The removable die 30 abuts theedge of the holding opening 68 with the die head 12 and is held thereby.According to a preferred embodiment of the removable die 10, the side ofthe die head 12 facing the shaft comprises a tapered axial section 24that is formed as radial web. An outer diameter of the axial section 24is adapted to the inner diameter of the holding opening 68 and thethrough-opening 32 such that the die shaft 14 is radially supported atleast in the through-opening 32, preferably also in the holding opening68, by means of the axial section 24. Further, the outer diameter of theaxial section 24 is preferably larger than the clearance 69 so that theremovable die 10 can only be removed from the holding opening 68 afterlifting above the tapering 22. In FIG. 2, the radial clearance 69 of theholding opening 68 is arranged above the die dome 30 at the side of theholding opening 68 facing a camera 72.

The die holder 64 has preferably a star-like structure so that in eacharm of the star-like structure, a holding opening 68 can be arranged.The die holder 64 is preferably rotated by a drive or motor 70 such thatthe respective holding opening 68 is arranged above the die dome 30. Assoon as the removable die 10 has been lifted by the ejection spike 62(cf. FIG. 10), the motor 70 rotates the die holder 64 so that theremovable die 10 is moved out of the holding opening 68 through theradial clearance 69 without rotation. Subsequently, the removable die 10is insertable in the die dome 30 and lockable there.

FIG. 3a shows an enlarged lateral sectional view of the die dome 30 inwhich a removable die 10 is locked. The removable die 10 comprises atthe bottom side of the head the tapered axial section 24. The diameterof the tapered axial section 24 is preferably adapted to the diameter ofthe through-opening 32 of the die dome 30 and to the diameter of theholding opening 68 of the die holder 64. Thus, the tapered axial section24 realizes preferably a radial guiding and supporting of the removabledie 10 in the holding opening 68 and in the through-opening 32. As aresult, the removable die 10 cannot be removed from the holding opening68 as long as it is not lifted by the ejection spike 62.

Preferably a tapering section 22 is attached to or adjoins the taperedaxial section 24. The tapering section 22 has a smaller diameter thanthe tapered axial section 24. According to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, an identification code of the removable die 10 isarranged on the tapering section 22. As the tapering section 22 islimited at both sides by radially larger sections of the die shaft 14,the tapering section 22 does neither contact the die dome 30 nor the dieholder 64. As a consequence, the identification code (not shown) isprotected against damages.

An exposed radial web 18 is attached to or adjoins the side of thetapering section 22 facing away from the head. The exposed radial web 18has preferably the same diameter than the tapered axial section 24 toradially guide and support the die shaft 14 in the through-opening 32 ofthe die dome 30. It is also preferred to form the radial web 18 with asmaller outer diameter than the axial section 24 (see below). Exposed inthis context means that the radial web 18 steps back at its axial sidesurfaces to a smaller diameter than its maximum diameter. As a result,preferably additional abutment surfaces in axial direction of the dieshaft 14 are provided.

At the side of the die shaft 14 facing away from the head, a furtherradial web 16 is arranged spaced in axial direction with respect to theradial web 18. The radial web 16 provides preferably in axial directionan axial undercut on one side or on two sides, respectively. This axialundercut serves for the locking of the removable die 10 in the die dome30. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radial web16 has a smaller radial extension than the radial web 18 to facilitatethe locking of the radial web 16 in a snap-in locking structure 44 (seebelow).

The die shaft 14 ends preferably in the ejection surface 20. Thisejection surface 20 may be designed in different ways and it ispreferably adapted to an engaging end of the ejection spike 62.According to FIG. 3a , the ejection surface 20 is provided at acylindrical end of the die shaft 14, wherein preferably a chamfer orbeveling 21 supports a cooperation with holding shells 38 (see below).The ejection surface 20 cooperates with a closed guiding end 61 of theejection spike 62 (not shown).

Based on FIG. 10, it can be seen that also the axial side of the radialweb 16 facing away from the head may act as ejection surface 20. This ispreferred if the ejection spike 62 is formed hollow at the guiding end61. In this case, the end of the die shaft 14 facing away from the headis received in the ejection spike 62 to better hold the removable die 20at the ejection spike 62 and to move it in a more controlled manner

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,the through-opening 32 of the die dome 30 comprises a guiding section 34to guide and stabilize the die shaft 14 by means of the at least oneradial web 18 and the tapered axial section 24. The guiding section 34is adjoined by a locking section 36 having a radial enlargement withrespect to the guiding section 34. Within this locking section 36, atleast two holding shells 38 are arranged preferably spring-pretensionedsuch that they leave an inner opening 39 for the ejection spike 62 andthe die shaft 14 blank. The radially inwardly directed spring pretensionof the holding shells 38 is preferably created by an annular spring 42or another spring element. For supporting the pivoting function of theholding shells 38, the annular spring 42 is arranged off-center in thepart of the holding shells 38 facing the removable die 10.

A radial outer side of the holding shells 38, here preferably twoholding shells, is, respectively, spaced from a radially inner side ofthe through-opening 32 by a radial length of a tilting web 40. Thetilting web 40 is also and similar to the annular spring 42 arrangedpreferably displaced off-center in the direction of the end of theholding shells 38 facing away from the die. The side 41 of the holdingshells 38 adjacent to the tilting web 40 axially in the direction of theremovable die 10 forms a tilting lever so that the holding shells 38 canbe displaced radially outwardly. It is thus also preferred that theholding shells 38 end at their end facing away from the die axially withthe tilting lever 40.

For supporting the radial displacing of the sides 41 of the holdingshells 38 facing the die, preferably a gap 43 is opened inverselyV-shaped between the two holding shells 38 at the end thereof facingaway from the die. This gap 43 closes if the sides 41 are pressedradially outwardly by the ejection spike 62 which is moved in thedirection of the removable die 10.

The holding shells 38 are held in a form-fit manner or positively withinthe locking section 36 by means of an insert element 46. The insertelement 46 is formed hollow-cylindrically and is fastened in thethrough-opening 32 of the die dome 30 preferably by means of an outerthread, a press-fit or by another suitable connection.

As can be seen based on FIG. 3a , the inner opening 39 comprises, in thedirection of the removable die 10 following a preferred chamfer orbeveling or following a continuous transition, a section with a firstinner diameter. This first inner diameter is adapted to an outerdiameter of the guiding end 61 of the ejection spike 62. During theinsertion of the ejection spike 62 into the inner opening 39, especiallyinto the section with the first inner diameter—the holding shells 38 arethus not displaced radially outwardly (see FIG. 7).

In the direction of the removable die 10 and in axial direction spacedfrom the tilting web 40, the inner opening 39 is tapered to a secondinner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the guidingend 61 of the ejection spike 62. As soon as the guiding end 61 of theejection spike 62 reaches this tapered portion having the snap-inlocking structure 44, the sides 41 of the holding shells 38 are pressedradially outwardly. At the same time, the radially inner sides of theinner opening 39 at the end of the holding shells 38 facing away fromthe die are moved radially inwardly (see FIG. 8) as they are alsopivoted around the tilting webs 40. For avoiding here a jamming of theejection spike 62 in the inner opening 39 at the end of the holdingshells 38 facing away from the die, the ejection spike 62 has a smallerdiameter in a section 63 following the guiding end 61 than at theguiding end 61. The difference in the diameter of guiding end 61 andsection 63 is adapted to the tilting or pivoting of the holding shells38 by means of which the snap-in locking structure 44 is released fromthe radial web 16 so that it is prevented that the ejection spike 62 isclamped.

A further preferred construction of the die dome 30 is shown in FIG. 3b. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 3a , only one holdingshell 38 is provided here, which is spring-pretensioned preferablyagainst the wall of the opening 36. The holding shell 38 and also theremaining constructive elements of the die dome 30 work in the same wayas it has been described with respect to FIG. 3a . The sole holdingshell 38 pivots by means of the tilting web 40 if the ejection spike 62is moved into the through-opening 32 in the direction of the die head12. After a removable die 10 has been inserted into the die dome 30 andduring removing of the ejection spike 62 from the through-opening 32,the snap-in locking structure 44 of the sole holding shell 38 locks atthe radial web 16. In doing so, the snap-in locking structure 44 engagesat the radial web 16 preferably on one side or on two sides.

Due to the radially outwardly pivoting of the holding shells 38 by meansof the tilting web 40, the radial web 16 is released from the lockingsnap-in locking structure 44. At the same time, preferably the end ofthe die shaft 14 enters the hollow ejection spike 62 until the radialweb 16 is supported at the guiding end 61 of the ejection spike 62.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thelocking snap-in locking structure 44 consists of a locking groove sothat the radial web 16 is encompassed on both sides with respect to itsaxial side surfaces. As a consequence, both axial side surfaces of theradial web 16 form an axial undercut in the through-opening 32 of thedie dome 30 in insertion and extraction direction of the die shaft 14,respectively. It is also preferred that the snap-in locking structure 44locks only at one side at the radial web 16 such that an axial removingof the removable die 10 from the through-opening 32 of the die dome 30is prevented.

If the ejection spike 62 is further moved towards the removable die 10,the removable die 10 is removed from the die dome 30 and brought intoalignment in a holding opening of the die holder 64 (cf. FIG. 10).Thereafter, the lowering of the removable die 10 into the holdingopening 68 occurs, after the removable die 10 has been arranged in theholding opening 68 by means of the radial clearance 69 (cf. FIG. 9).

Before the removable die 10 is placed in the holding opening 68, thecamera 72 detects the identification code (not shown). According to afirst preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identificationcode is arranged on the tapering section 22 of the die shaft 14. Theidentification code may be a barcode, a two-dimensional code, anumbering or another detectable coding. Therefore, it is also preferredto replace the camera 72 by a scanner or another sensor. Preferably, theidentification code is detected and electronically stored prior to theplacing of a removable die 10 in the holding opening 68 and prior to theinserting of the removable die 10 in the die dome 30.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,the radial web 18 is used as identification code. For this purpose, theradial web 18 is variable in its axial length to provide a detectabledie information over the length of the radial web 18. Further preferred,the radial web 18 comprises one or a plurality of punctures 19. Thepunctures 19 are adjustable in their number and axial width to transmitin this way further die information. If the above-described camera 72 ora scanner are used, the radial web 18 with punctures 19 is detectable ina side view. At that, the radial web 18 with punctures 19 looks similarto a barcode for identifying the removable die 10.

In FIGS. 9 to 12, the method for inserting another removable die 10 intothe die dome 30 is illustrated. According to a preferred embodiment ofthis method, first of all the holding opening 68 with the chosenremovable die 10 is positioned above the ejection spike 62 (see FIG. 9).In FIG. 9, it can also be seen that the die holder 64 contains severalremovable dies 10 from which, for example with the support of a personalcomputer (not shown) or an electronic data processing, the appropriateremovable die 10 may be chosen. Accordingly, the holding opening 68containing the chosen removable die 10 is subsequently rotated to beabove the ejection spike 62.

According to FIG. 10, subsequently the ejection spike 62 moves out ofthe die dome 30, detects the end of the die shaft 14 facing away fromthe head and lifts the removable die 10 within the holding opening 68.As a result, the tapered axial section 24 is released from the holdingopening 68. Preferably, now the tapering section 22 is aligned with theradial clearance 69 of the holding opening 68. It is also preferred thatthe tapering section 22 is formed smaller in its outer diameter than thewidth of the radial clearance 69. Therefore, the removable die 10 can beremoved from the holding opening 68 by means of the radial clearance 69of the holding opening 68. For realizing this removing, the die holder64 is rotated with lifted removable die 10 according to FIG. 10 so farthat the removable die 10 is arranged between two adjacent holdingopenings 68.

Further, the camera 72 detects in the lifted condition of the removabledie 10 the identification code thereof, which is preferably arranged onthe tapering section 22 or which is stored and detectable by means ofthe construction of the radial web 18 with punctures 19.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixingspike 66 engages at the upper side of the die head 12 prior to thelifting of the removable die 10 by the ejection spike 62. Thereafter,the removable die 10 is lifted with a coordinated movement of fixingspike 66 and ejection spike 62 from the holding opening 68 to rotate thedie holder 64 subsequently (see above).

As results from FIG. 11, the ejection spike 62 is lowered into thethrough-opening 32 of the die dome 30 after the releasing of theremovable die 10 from the holding opening 68. Because the ejection spike62 keeps the holding shells 38 open or pivots them radially outwardlyinto an open position (see above), the die shaft 14 moves into thethrough-opening 32 until abutment of the die head 12 at an upper side ofthe die dome 30. The reaching of this position is supported preferablyby the action of the fixing spike 66 which keeps the removable die 10constantly in abutment at the ejection spike 62 or which presses the dieshaft 14 into the through-opening 32 of the die dome 30.

As soon as the die shaft 14 has reached the lowest position in thethrough-opening 32, the ejection spike 62 is moved further out of theinner opening 39 of the holding shells 38. As soon as the guiding end 62of the ejection spike 62 has left the tapered portion of the inneropening 39, the holding shells 38 are set back into the initial positionby means of the spring pretension of the annular spring 42. Thereby, thesnap-in locking structure 44 locks at the radial web 16 and the gap 43opens again, as it is shown in FIG. 12.

A further preferred embodiment of a die dome 30′ is shown in FIGS. 4 to6. The die shaft 14′ is also held in the through-opening 32′ of the diedome 30′ and removed by the ejection spike 62. In the same way,preferably the fixing spike 66 engages at the upper side of the die head12 as has been described above. The die shaft 14′ comprises acircumferential radial groove 15′ for locking in the die dome 30′.Within the die dome 30′, a rotatable bolt 33′ is arranged which extendstransversely to the through-opening 32′ of the die dome 30′. The bolt33′ crosses the through-opening 32′ like a chord and in doing so engagesthe radial groove 15′ of the die shaft 14′.

The bolt 33′ comprises on one side a sector of a circle 35′ at the levelof the radial groove 15′. If the bolt 33′ is rotated such that thesector of a circle is arranged in the through-opening 32, the removabledie 10′ is insertable in the through-opening 32′ and removabletherefrom. If the bolt 33′ has been rotated so that the sector of acircle 35′ is arranged outside of the through-opening 32′, the bolt 33′in the radial groove 15 blocks the die shaft 14′ in the through-opening32′.

For rotating the bolt 33′, it preferably comprises an engagementfeature, as for example a slot, a hexagon or an appropriate connectionwith a mechanical or electro-motoric actuator. For locking the bolt 33′in its rotation angle position, preferably a ball pressure part 37′, alocking screw or another known locking is provided.

After releasing the locking by rotating the bolt 33′, the removable die10′ is in the same way as described above removable from the die dome30′ with the ejection spike 62 and the fixing spike 66, positionable inthe die holder 64 and insertable in the die dome 30′.

6. SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

-   1. Removable die (10) of a joining tool (6), in particular of a    setting device, comprising a die head (12) having an upper side and    a bottom side as well as a die shaft (14) extending perpendicularly    from the bottom side of the die head (12) and being adapted to be    receivable and lockable in a die dome (30) without rotation, wherein    the die shaft (14) comprises:    -   a. at least one first radial web (16) forming at least an axial        undercut on one side by means of which the die shaft (14) is        solely lockable in the die dome (30) by means of a linear        inserting movement,    -   b. at least one second radial web (24), the radial length of        which is adaptable to a diameter of the die dome (30) to ensure        a lateral guiding of the die shaft (14) in the die dome (30) and        which is arranged between the die head (12) and the first radial        web (16), and    -   c. an ejection surface (20) by means of which the removable die        (10) can be moved out of the die dome (30) and which is arranged        adjacent to the free end of the die shaft (14) opposite to the        die head (12).-   2. Removable die (10) according to embodiment 1, comprising a die    coding arranged on or at the die shaft (14) and being optically    evaluable.-   3. Removable die (10) according to embodiment 2, the die shaft (14)    of which has a radial tapering section (22) having a smaller radial    extension than the second radial web (24) and on which the die    coding is arranged and/or the die shaft (14) of which comprises a    third radial web (18) which constitutes the evaluable die coding by    means of an axial length and at least one puncture (19).-   4. Removable die (10) according to embodiment 1, the die head (12)    of which comprises a radially tapered axial section (24) forming the    second radial web (24), extending in the direction of the die shaft    (14) and being adaptable in its radial extension to the diameter of    the die dome (30).-   5. Die dome (30) of a joining device, in particular a setting    device, in which a die shaft (14) of a die (30), in particular a    removable die according to one of the embodiments 1 to 4, is    receivable and lockable without rotation, and which comprises the    following features:    -   a. a hollow cylindrical through-opening (32) for receiving and        guiding a die shaft (14) comprising an axial guiding section        (34) and an axial locking section (36) adjacent thereto, wherein    -   b. in the locking section (36), a form-fit acting and        spring-pretensioned locking arrangement (38, 42) is provided and        configured such that a die shaft (14) is automatically lockable        therein by means of a rotation-free inserting of the die shaft        (14) into the locking section (36) in an insertion direction and        it is automatically releasable from the locking arrangement (36)        and removable from the die dome (30) by means of an inserting of        an ejection spike (62) into the through-opening (32) in an        ejection direction opposite to the insertion direction.-   6. Die dome (30) according to embodiment 5, comprising a plurality    of holding shells (38) in the locking section (36) which each    comprise a tilting web (40) at a radially outer side so that an    inner side of the holding shell (38) is pivotable around the tilting    web (40).-   7. Die dome (30) according to embodiment 6, the holding shells (38)    of which are spring-pretensioned into an initial position axially    spaced with respect to the tilting web (40) so that the holding    shells (38) can automatically pivot back into the initial position    after pivoting.-   8. Die dome (30) according to embodiment 6 or 7, the locking section    (36) of which comprises in the through-opening (32) a greater    diameter as the guiding section (34) and the holding shells (38) are    arranged in a form-fit manner in the locking section (36) by means    of an insert element (44).-   9. Die dome (30) according to embodiment 6 or 7, the plurality of    holding shells (38), preferably two holding shells (38), of which    define an at least two-stage through-opening (39) which has a    greater diameter adjacent to the tilting web (40) than remote from    the tilting web (40) and which comprises a radially inwardly    protruding snap-in locking structure (44) remote from the tilting    web (40), especially a snap-in locking web or a snap-in locking    groove.-   10. Die dome (30′) of a joining device (F), in particular a die dome    (30′) of a setting device, in which a die shaft (14′) of a die (10′)    is receivable and lockable without rotation, and which comprises the    following features:    -   a. a hollow cylindrical through-opening (32′) for receiving and        guiding a die shaft (14′) comprising an axial guiding section        (34′) and an axial locking section (36′) adjacent thereto,        wherein    -   b. in the locking section (36′), a form-fit acting locking        arrangement with a rotatable and/or slidable locking element        (33′) is provided so that a die shaft (14′) is lockable and        unlockable therein by means of an inserting of the die shaft        (14′) into the locking section (36′) in an insertion direction        without rotation and by rotating and/or sliding or moving the        locking element (33′) and which is removable from the locking        arrangement (36′) and from the die dome (30′) by means of an        inserting of an ejection spike (62′) into the through-opening        (32′) in an ejection direction opposite to the insertion        direction.-   11. Die dome (30′) according to embodiment 10, in which the locking    element (33′) is formed pin-like having a radial asymmetric tapering    (35′) and partly extends through the through-opening (32′) so that    the through-opening (32′) is blockable or releasable by the tapering    (35′) by means of a rotation of the locking element (33′) around a    longitudinal axis of the locking element (33′).-   12. Die changer (60) for a removable die (10) of a joining device    (F), in particular of a setting device, which is arrangeable in a    die dome (30) of the joining device (F) comprising a through-opening    (32), wherein the die changer (60) comprises the following features:    -   a. a die holder (64) having at least one holding opening (68)        which is adapted to the removable die (10) such that a die shaft        (14) is receivable in the holding opening (68) and a die head        (12) can be supported at an edge of the holding opening (68),        wherein the holding opening (68) comprises a radial clearance        (69) for radially inserting the die shaft (14) into the holding        opening (68), and    -   b. an axially movably arranged ejection spike (62) which is        adapted to the die dome (30) such that the ejection spike (62)        is completely movable through the through-opening (32) of the        die dome (30) for ejecting a removable die (10) from the die        dome (30).-   13. Die changer (60) according to embodiment 12, the die holder (64)    of which comprises a rotatably arranged disc having a plurality of    holding openings (68), the holding openings (68) of which are    specifically movable adjacent to the die dome (30).-   14. Die changer (60) according to embodiment 12 or 13, comprising an    axially movably arranged fixing spike (66), which is movably    coaxially with respect to the ejection spike, or a fixing device    (67) which is adapted to engage at an upper side of the removable    die (10) and to move matched to the ejection spike (62).-   15. System (S) for changing a removable die (10) of a joining device    (F), in particular a setting device, comprising a joining device (F)    having a die dome (30, 30′) according to one of the embodiments 5 to    11 and a die changer (60) according to one of the embodiments 12 to    14, which is preferably adapted to remove a removable die (10, 10′)    according to one of the embodiments 1 to 4 from the die dome (30,    30′) or to insert it therein.-   16. Method for removing a removable die (10) from a joining    device (F) which is fastened in a die dome (30) having a through    opening (32), wherein the method comprises the following steps:    -   a. arranging the die dome (30), especially a die dome according        to one of the embodiments 5 to 11, above an ejection spike (62)        (S1),    -   b. moving the ejection spike (62) through the die dome (30),        wherein the ejection spike (62) releases the removable die (10)        from a locking section (36) of the die dome (30) (S2),    -   c. moving the removable die (10) with the ejection spike (62)        beyond the die dome (30) in lateral alignment with a holding        opening (68) of a die holder (64) of a die changer (60),        especially a die changer according to embodiment 12 (S3),    -   d. relatively moving the die holder (64) and the removable die        (10) with respect to each other so that the removable die (10)        is arranged in the holding opening (68) of the die holder (64),        and    -   e. inserting the removable die (10) in the holding opening (68)        by axially moving the ejection spike (62) (S4).-   17. Method according to embodiment 16, having the further step:    -   moving a fixing spike (66) or a fixing device (67) in abutment        with an upper side of a die head (12) of the removable die (10),        preferably before the ejection spike (62) moves the removable        die (10), and    -   holding the removable die (10) between ejection spike (62) and        fixing spike (66) or fixing device (67) while moving the        removable die (10) towards the holding opening (68) of the die        holder (64).-   18. Method according to embodiment 16, comprising the further step:    -   moving the ejection spike (62) into a through opening (39)        formed of at least one holding shell (38) in the locking section        (36) of the die dome (30) and unlocking the removable die (10)        by means of a pivoting of the holding shells (38) by means of        the ejection spike (62).-   19. Method for inserting a removable die (10) of a joining device    (F), in particular a setting device, comprising a die dome (30)    having a through-opening (32), wherein the method comprises the    following steps:    -   a. arranging a holding opening (68) of a die holder (64),        especially a die holder of a die changer according to one of the        embodiments 12 to 14, containing a removable die (10) above an        ejection spike (62) which has been moved through the        through-opening (32) of the die dome (30) (E1),    -   b. releasing the removable die (10) from the holding opening        (68) by means of a moving of the ejection spike (62) (E2),    -   c. removing the holding opening (68) from the released removable        die (10) (E3), and    -   d. moving the ejection spike (62) through the through-opening        (32) of the die dome (30), wherein the removable die (10) locks        in a locking section (36) of the die dome (30) (E4).-   20. Method according to embodiment 19, wherein the removable die    (10) is pushed by means of a fixing spike (66) or a fixing device    (67) into the locking section (36) having a plurality of holding    shells (38).

7. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   F joining device-   S system-   10 removable die-   12 die head-   14 die shaft-   15′ radial groove-   16 first radial web-   18 second radial web-   19 puncture-   20 ejection surface-   21 beveling-   22 tapering section-   24 tapered axial section-   30, 30′ die dome-   32, 32′ through-opening-   33′ rotatable bolt-   34 guiding section-   36 locking section-   38 holding shells-   39 inner opening-   40 tilting web-   42 spring/annular spring-   43 gap-   44 snap-in locking structure-   46 insert element-   60 die changer-   61 guiding end of the ejection spike-   62 ejection spike-   63 section with smaller diameter-   64 die holder-   66 fixing spike-   67 fixing device-   68 holding opening-   69 radial clearance-   70 motor-   72 camera

1. Method for removing a removable die from a joining device which isfastened in a die dome having a through opening, wherein the methodcomprises the following steps: a. arranging the die dome above anejection spike, b. moving the ejection spike through the die dome,wherein the ejection spike releases the removable die from a lockingsection of the die dome, c. moving the removable die with the ejectionspike beyond the die dome in lateral alignment with a holding opening ofa die holder of a die changer, d. relatively moving the die holder andthe removable die with respect to each other so that the removable dieis arranged in the holding opening of the die holder, and e. insertingthe removable die in the holding opening by axially moving the ejectionspike.
 2. Method according to claim 1, having the further step: moving afixing spike or a fixing device in abutment with an upper side of a diehead of the removable die, preferably before the ejection spike movesthe removable die, and holding the removable die between ejection spikeand fixing spike or fixing device while moving the removable die towardsthe holding opening of the die holder.
 3. Method according to claim 1,comprising the further step: moving the ejection spike into a throughopening formed of at least one holding shell in the locking section ofthe die dome and unlocking the removable die by means of a pivoting ofthe holding shells by means of the ejection spike.
 4. Method accordingto claim 1, wherein the die dome comprises the following features: a. ahollow cylindrical through-opening for receiving and guiding a die shaftcomprising an axial guiding section and an axial locking sectionadjacent thereto, wherein b1. in the locking section, a form-fit actingand spring-pretensioned locking arrangement is provided and configuredsuch that a die shaft is automatically lockable therein by means of arotation-free inserting of the die shaft into the locking section in aninsertion direction and it is automatically releasable from the lockingarrangement and removable from the die dome by means of an inserting ofan ejection spike into the through-opening in an ejection directionopposite to the insertion direction, or wherein b2. in the lockingsection, a form-fit acting locking arrangement with a rotatable and/orslidable locking element is provided so that a die shaft is lockable andunlockable therein by means of an inserting of the die shaft into thelocking section in an insertion direction without rotation and byrotating and/or sliding or moving the locking element and which isremovable from the locking arrangement and from the die dome by means ofan inserting of an ejection spike into the through-opening in anejection direction opposite to the insertion direction.
 5. Methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the die changer comprises the followingfeatures: a. a die holder having at least one holding opening which isadapted to the removable die such that a die shaft is receivable in theholding opening and a die head can be supported at an edge of theholding opening, wherein the holding opening comprises a radialclearance for radially inserting the die shaft into the holding opening,and b. an axially movably arranged ejection spike which is adapted tothe die dome such that the ejection spike is completely movable throughthe through-opening of the die dome for ejecting a removable die fromthe die dome.
 6. Method for inserting a removable die of a joiningdevice, in particular a setting device, comprising a die dome having athrough-opening, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a.arranging a holding opening of a die holder containing a removable dieabove an ejection spike which has been moved through the through-openingof the die dome, b. releasing the removable die from the holding openingby means of a moving of the ejection spike, c. removing the holdingopening from the released removable die, and d. moving the ejectionspike through the through-opening of the die dome, wherein the removabledie locks in a locking section of the die dome.
 7. Method according toclaim 6, wherein the removable die is pushed by means of a fixing spikeor a fixing device into the locking section having a plurality ofholding shells.
 8. Method according to claim 6, wherein the die holderis a die holder of a die changer comprising the following features: a. adie holder having at least one holding opening which is adapted to theremovable die such that a die shaft is receivable in the holding openingand a die head can be supported at an edge of the holding opening,wherein the holding opening comprises a radial clearance for radiallyinserting the die shaft into the holding opening, and b. an axiallymovably arranged ejection spike which is adapted to the die dome suchthat the ejection spike is completely movable through thethrough-opening of the die dome for ejecting a removable die from thedie dome.
 9. Method according to claim 6, wherein the die dome comprisesthe following features: a. a hollow cylindrical through-opening forreceiving and guiding a die shaft comprising an axial guiding sectionand an axial locking section adjacent thereto, wherein b1. in thelocking section, a form-fit acting and spring-pretensioned lockingarrangement is provided and configured such that a die shaft isautomatically lockable therein by means of a rotation-free inserting ofthe die shaft into the locking section in an insertion direction and itis automatically releasable from the locking arrangement and removablefrom the die dome by means of an inserting of an ejection spike into thethrough-opening in an ejection direction opposite to the insertiondirection, or wherein b2. in the locking section, a form-fit actinglocking arrangement with a rotatable and/or slidable locking element isprovided so that a die shaft is lockable and unlockable therein by meansof an inserting of the die shaft into the locking section in aninsertion direction without rotation and by rotating and/or sliding ormoving the locking element and which is removable from the lockingarrangement and from the die dome by means of an inserting of anejection spike into the through-opening in an ejection directionopposite to the insertion direction.